Mr Ong Junjie
I graduated with a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Mathematical Sciences from Nanyang Technological University, and was awarded the Lee Kuan Yew Gold Medal and the Koh Boon Hwee Scholars Award for being the top student in the course. During my undergraduate years, one highlight was my exchange experience at the University of Waterloo where many Mathematics professors chose to teach students using chalkboards. It was amazing how they engaged us with their wit, humour and passion without the aid of technology. I learnt to focus on the fundamentals of good teaching and that technology by itself will not replace good teaching.
I started out teaching in a secondary school, teaching students Mathematics across 3 streams and 4 levels. I also taught students H1, H2 and H3 Mathematics at another junior college before joining Eunoia. Working alongside students of different profiles and readiness, I came to realise that students are more alike than different in learning Mathematics. We feel an immense sense of satisfaction, or relief, when a difficult concept eventually clicked and when we finally solve a challenging problem. We also experience similar struggles such as the inertia to get started and the temptation to give up. As a teacher, I strive to know my students and work with them to strengthen their belief, mindset and character so that they have the confidence to dream big, the patience to strive towards their dreams and the fortitude to persevere through adversity.
In my previous school, I had the opportunity to lead the Ultimate Frisbee co-curricular activity (CCA) and it was an illuminating learning experience. It was a time when Ultimate was transiting from an interest group into a full-fledged CCA and in less than six months, we were playing against more established teams in the Inter-Junior College Tournament. The students had aspirations and they worked relentlessly in the pursuit of their goals. They dug deep and pushed their physical limits, growing from individuals with little to no experience in Ultimate to a skilful, disciplined and close-knit team who became a force to be reckoned with. We eventually achieved second position in the tournament and continued to attain podium position for the next two years. This experience is a constant reminder to me that students can achieve remarkable feats when they dream big and devote consistent effort to the processes.
I am grateful to join the Eunoia family and I look forward to working and learning with Eunoians through all the highs and low of their A-Level journey.